Meridian RV Sales Center, Coquitlam, B.C., has been named the 2011 RV Dealer of the Year by the Canadian RV Dealers Association (RVDA).

“It’s quite exciting actually. We were chosen by our peers,” said owner Tom Ramsay. “I didn’t expect to win. There were some very, very credible dealers.”

Canada.com reported that Ramsay runs the business, originally started by his father in 1967, with his wife and family, all of whom remain involved in the third-generation family business.

The award distinguishes dealers for dedication to the industry and RV lifestyle, recognition by customers and peers for being a businessman of the highest integrity and credibility in both work and personal life, and contribution to the community.

The company was first nominated for and won the B.C. dealer of the year award, and was automatically entered into the Canadian competition.

The business originally manufactured custom RVs from the frame to upholstery stitching, but transitioned into sales and service in more recent years.

Despite recent economic turmoil, Ramsay has only seen his business grow over the years.

“The state [of business] is good. We actually started selling new RVs just as the RV industry crashed.

“A lot of manufacturers closed their doors. But in those years, we’ve done nothing but move up. Our graph is positive all the way,” he said.